About Community Grants
Community Grants provide funding to eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering projects, initiatives and activities that make a positive difference across the Southern Downs region.
Whether you're planning a community event, improving local facilities or delivering a project that benefits your community, there are three funding programs available: (1) Community Grants; (2) Minor Grants; and (3) Olympic & Paralympic Grants.
Before applying, take a few minutes to read through the Grants to Community Policy (PDF, 696 KB) and the relevant funding guidelines:
These documents outline the eligibility requirements, funding criteria and application process to help you submit the strongest possible application.
To support the long-term sustainability of community projects, applicants are encouraged to explore a range of funding opportunities and not rely on Council grants as their sole source of funding.
Available Funding and How to Apply
Southern Downs Regional Council offers three Grants to Community funding programs, each with its own funding limits, application dates and eligibility requirements.
(1) Community Grants
Community Grants provide funding of up to $2,000 per eligible not-for-profit organisation, with a maximum of one grant per financial year.
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Round 1 - For projects and activities taking place between: 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027
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Applications Open: 1 July 2026
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Applications Close: 31 July 2026
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Round 2 - For Projects and Activities taking place between: 1 April 2027 and 30 September 2027
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Applications Open: 2 January 2027
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Applications Close: 28 February 2027
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To allow sufficient time for assessment, applications must be submitted at least four (4) weeks before your project or event is due to commence.
Apply Online - Community Grant
Applications are submitted through the SmartyGrants portal and will be available during the application period - Click here to access the 2026/27 Community Grant Application Form.
(2) Minor Grants
Minor Grants provide funding of up to $500 per eligible not-for-profit organisation, with a maximum of one grant per Council Term, four (4) years.
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Round 1 - For projects and activities taking place between: 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027
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Applications Open: 1 July 2026
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Applications Close: 31 July 2026
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Round 2 - For Projects and Activities taking place between: 1 April 2027 and 30 September 2027
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Applications Open: 2 January 2027
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Applications Close: 28 February 2027
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To allow sufficient time for assessment, applications must be submitted at least four (4) weeks before your project or event is due to commence.
Apply Online - Minor Grant
Applications are submitted through the SmartyGrants portal and will be available during the application period - Click here to access the 2026/27 Minor Grant Application Form.
(3) Olympic & Paralympic Pathway Grants
Olympic & Paralympic Pathway Grants provide funding of up to $750 per eligible local youth (aged 10 to 18 years), with a maximum of one grant per Council Term, four (4) years.
Through the Olympic & Paralympic Pathway Program, Council provides financial assistance to local youth (ages 10 to 18 years) to encourage excellence in Sport. The funding provides assistance to youth to attend competitions or programs representing the region at State or National levels in their chosen sport.
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Round 1 - For Sports Events taking place between: 1 August 2026 to 31 March 2027
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Applications Open: 1 July 2026
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Applications Close: 28 February 2027
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Round 2 - For Sports Events taking place between: 1 February 2027 to 30 September 2027
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Applications Open: 2 January 2027
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Applications Close: 31 August 2027
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To allow sufficient time for assessment, applications must be submitted a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the commencement of the Sports event.
Apply Online - Olympic & Paralympic Pathway Grant
Applications are submitted through the SmartyGrants portal and will be available during the application period - Click here to access the 2026/27 Olympic & Paralympic Pathway Grant Application Form.
Auspicing
If your organisation is required to be auspiced, you'll need to have an agreement in place with the auspicing organisation before submitting your application.
A completed Auspicing Agreement (pdf) Auspicing Agreement (PDF, 38.7 KB) must be uploaded with your application through SmartyGrants.
Grant Acquittal
If your grant application is successful, you'll be required to complete an online acquittal at the conclusion of your funded project. Acquittals are submitted through SmartyGrants, with a link to the online form emailed directly to each successful applicant. To access and complete your acquittal, simply log in to your SmartyGrants account.
Book & Borrow a Council Banner
Successful Grants to Community and RADF recipients are welcome to borrow a Council banner to display at their funded project or event. Using a Council banner is a great way to acknowledge Council's support and can also be included as part of your grant acquittal or RADF Project Outcome Report.
To book a banner, please fill out the Grant Banner Booking Form (PDF) and return to mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au.
Please allow a minimum of five (5) working days when requesting a banner.
Letters of Support
If you're applying for funding through an external grant program, you can request a Letter of Support from Southern Downs Regional Council to accompany your application.
To request a letter, complete the Letter of Support Request Form (PDF) and email it to mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au.
Please allow 10 working days for your request to be processed.
Helpful Guides, Resources and Support
Contact Council
For further information, you can contact Council on 1300 697 372 (8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday) or via email to mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au.